Zahra

As a dedicated BSc Hons student in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, my deep passion for the field, with a particular interest in computational neuroscience, drives my academic pursuits. My diverse background spans customer service, social media, supplier management, and caregiving, highlighting my adaptability and empathy. Additionally, my commitment to self-education has led me to explore machine learning through courses on platforms like EDx, gaining a basic understanding of programming languages such as Python and R.

My proactive approach to learning, dedication to personal growth, and advocacy for mental well-being make me a valuable candidate, prepared to contribute effectively to a dynamic team. I am proficient in English at a native level, fluent in Barawani, and possess intermediate proficiency in Arabic.

Research Placement at Centre for Research in Autism and Education (2024-10 – Present)

Research placement contributing to applied cognitive neuroscience research with autistic participants in specialist educational settings. Developed experience in EEG data collection, cognitive assessment, and community engagement within neurodiversity-affirming research frameworks.

• Conducted cognitive assessments and supported EEG data collection with autistic children and young people in a specialist SEN setting
• Gained practical experience using EEG equipment, including participant preparation and assisting with recording procedures in applied research environments
• Participated in weekly research visits to Phoenix School, contributing to data collection within an ecologically valid educational context
• Presented a research poster at INSAR 2025 Annual Meeting in Seattle
• Engaged in community outreach activities, communicating research findings and concepts (including interoception and cognitive processes relevant to autism) to support public understanding and awareness
• Contributed to research dissemination through accessible communication of neurodiversity-related research topics via social media and public-facing materials
• Developed understanding of ethical and neurodiversity-affirming approaches to autism research, emphasising respectful and strengths-based perspectives

Boba Barista/Server at Ivy's Tiny Tea (2023-08 – 2024-10)

• Customer Service: Consistently delivered exceptional service, achieving an impressive average customer satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google Maps. Engaged with and served over 100 customers weekly, ensuring positive experience and garnering consistently high reviews.
• Social Media Management: Maintained strong online presence resulting in an increase in social media followers over a 3-month period. Consistently posted on various social media platforms, increasing our online reach and customer interaction.
• Time Management: Thrived in fast-paced environment, efficiently balancing multiple responsibilities, ensuring prompt and first-come-first-serve service in our small local Boba shop.

Assistant at Internet Café (2021-10 – 2023-08)

• Supplier Coordination: Effectively managed equipment sourcing, negotiation, and on-time delivery.
• Technical Support: Assisted customers with tailored product recommendations. Provided language support to foreign customers, aiding with document writing and job applications due to language barriers.
• Inventory Management: Maintained meticulous records and streamlined inventory operations.
• Conflict Resolution: Adeptly defused tense situations and proactively prevented potential conflicts through strong interpersonal skills, ensuring harmonious customer experience.
• Customer Service: Served Drinks to customers

Charity Shop Volunteer at Mind Charity Shop - London (2021-01 – 2021-06)

• Inventory Management: Meticulously sorted through an average of 100+ daily donations, accurately pricing items, and consistently replenishing stock for a well-supplied store.
• Community Engagement: Actively advocated for mental health awareness and effectively conveyed Mind's mission to over 50 daily customers.

Unpaid Caregiver at Family (2021-01 – Present)

• Medication Management: Organized and managed medication schedules, ensuring proper administration through pill boxes
• Medical Support: Accompanied the family member to medical appointments, including GP and hospital visits, providing necessary support.
• Translation and Advocacy: Served as a translator and advocate during healthcare interactions, ensuring effective communication between healthcare providers and the family member.
• Cognitive Stimulation: Implemented memory-enhancement activities, such as memory games, to stimulate cognitive function and maintain mental agility.
• Patience and Empathy: Demonstrated patience, empathy, and adaptability when addressing specific needs and behaviors associated with dementia.

Youth Health Champion at RSPH - London (2019-01 – 2020-05)

• Student Support: Trained in effective signposting for students facing mental health challenges, connecting them to vital resources.
• Mental Health Campaigning: Actively engaged in mental health campaigns across various schools, promoting awareness and well-being.
• Collaborative Leadership: Contributed to team efforts to secure funding and develop a mental health charter, jointly funded by the Mayor of London for our borough, demonstrating robust collaborative and project management skills.
• Fundraising: Organized and participated in successful fundraising initiatives, mobilizing resources for mental health causes.
• Qualitative Research: Conducted surveys on students' mental well-being and engagement with the mental health charter, collecting data from over 500 students in our school and consolidating information from other schools in our borough using Excel.

BSc Hons in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience – University of Westminster - London (2022-09)

A-Levels – City and Islington College - London (2020-09 – 2022-05)

GCSEs – Buxton Secondary School - London (2015-09 – 2020-05)